A Warrior Dies

A Brave Heart Lives

 Today the Ceremony is calling.

A Cleansing, A Healing, A New Birth.

I travel north to the Lodge.

What is that cry I hear as I speed along?

Stop, pull over, I am here.

Honor me, Hear me, and Send me on my journey.

Ahead I see the feathers ruffle in the wind.

A Warrior lays by the road.

As I approach, I hear him say, “My son, You have a good heart. I heard your prayers. You honor the People and the one so special in your life. So that she may live, so the People may live and grow in strength I sacrifice my life. For her and their healing, A Wing, a Talon are entrusted to her care. To guard and watch over To Remember what I have done. Both these gifts Symbols of my Strength and Power which I impart to the ones in need. My wings lift me above the world. A freedom few can know. My talons are my strength. With them I protect, and fend off all evil and feed my young. With each of these gifts She and They will Remember the Sacrifice so freely given so that She and They may live. Before I go, one thing I have to say, She is now my sister. They are now my family, In my care. Guard and protect well. Help them grow in Strength, gaining much. The Journey beckons. The Tobacco offer to the Four Winds. Release me and send Me on my way.”

With tears in eyes I reached into my pouch.

Tobacco sprinkled to the East, to the South, to the West, to the North, to Creator and Mother Earth Carried by the Winds.

A prayer with each offering.

And as he left, I heard him Call, “Be Well my son, The road is not easy But I know your heart and cares. What you seek will prevail.”

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